School taxes to drop in Bath

Thursday

Apr 24, 2014 at 4:30 PM

By Derrick Ekek@the-leader.com

BATH | Property owners in the Bath Central School District are likely to see their school taxes drop under the district’s budget proposal for the 2014-15 school year.The $34 million budget plan – which goes to the polls May 20 – includes a 0.71 percent reduction in the tax levy. School administrators are projecting tax rates to drop by about 15 cents per $1,000 of assessed value, as long as there are no extreme swings in assessments.The $34,195,331 proposal represents an increase of 2.91 percent in spending, driven mostly by state and federally required special education costs including transportation and instructional services, school officials say.However, the district was able to contain costs by sharing services with neighboring school districts in the areas of business functions, transportation and special education, officials say.Bath Superintendent Joe Rumsey credited “good conservative planning.”In a statement, Michael Mishook, school board president, said the budget was “economically responsible and maintains the district’s high quality programs.”“Despite continued revenue uncertainty, we are pleased to be able to present a budget to our residents that minimizes the tax burden to property owners yet continues to afford all our students an equitable education,” Mishook said.The school board will give a budget presentation at 7 p.m. May 6 at the school auditorium.The polls will be open from noon-8 p.m. May 20 in the district offices. Along with the budget vote, there will also be school board elections, with Amey Rusak and Scott Ward running for two open seats.

Lifestyle

Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted.
The Steuben Courier Advocate ~ 10 West Steuben St., Bath, NY 14810 ~ Privacy Policy ~ Terms Of Service